1981: Syracuse fans debate pro wrestling’s legitimacy after Andre the Giant pins Sgt. Slaughter
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Professional wrestling made its triumphant return to the Onondaga County War Memorial on April 14, 1981 after an 18-month absence.
The sold-out crowd of 6,334 for the World Wrestling Federation show that night was the largest ever for a wrestling show at the arena up to that time and officials from the promotion said that they had turn away more than 2,000 people at the gates who wanted to get in.
The local response was so good that the WWF hoped to return as soon as possible, maybe just a few weeks later in June at the brand-new Carrier Dome.